Dapper Dan might sound like a new name in contemporary fashion circles but for the au corant, he needs no introduction. The fashion designer from Harlem was the man in the ’80s, pioneering custom luxury streetwear when luxury fashion still held its brow high. Some of his premier clientele includes hip-hop legends like LL Cool J, Eric B. and Rakim, and one of boxing’s GOAT Mike Tyson.

He returns to the fore of the zeitgeist decades later, now vindicated, embraced by the same fashion houses that once chastised him, suing him into obscurity. There’s no rust in his sophomore collaboration with PUMA. It’s a match made in New York (heaven), the crème de la crème of the city’s collaborations, the meeting of two legends, Dapper Dan and the Clyde.

In addition to elevating the Clydes, the collection also includes a full apparel line that consist of two t-shirts, a tracksuit, and a reversible jacket.

The PUMA Clydes are well-known in the streets, but now it’s dressed to strut down the parquet floors of the upper echelon. If it’s outfit seems reminiscent of Gucci’s colors, then it’s probably because its an homage. Not one to the Italian label, but to the textile he once heavily worked with in decades past.

An all-over monogram print takes centerstage as it envelopes the base layer of the shoe, complemented by various brown that takes shape in the sole unit, the toe box, eyestays, tongue, and sock liner. Applying his signatures, these components come in a mix of materials such as leather and suede. Completing the earthy palette, is Sacramento Green, that lands on the laces, the PUMA vector on the profiles, and lastly, the “DD” insignia of the designer on the tongue.

The Dapper Dan x PUMA Clyde is available now at select retailers like atmos, Extra Butter, Bodega, and Social Status. The footwear will go for US$250 while the rest of the collection ranges from US$70 to US$300.

Elsewhere in the sneakersphere, check out the Joe Freshgoods x Vault by Vans “Chocolate Valley Resort”.